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Iowa AG Bewares of Online Scams in Wake of Oklahoma Tornado

The Iowa Attorney General's office has warned residents of Iowa who wish to help victims marred by the tornado in Moore, Oklahoma to be careful of Internet scams, reported radioiowa.com on May 23, 2013.

The tornado on May 20, 2013, left around people dead and could be of the most costly windstorm in America's history as damages amounting to $ 2 billion are being estimated.

Iowa Attorney General's Office Spokesperson Geoff Greenwood says, during calamities like these, scammers are always looking forward to exploit the situation to their own advantage. "They may send undesirable junk emails, pop-ups on social networking websites, or they may end-up cold calling you," as per news published by radioiowa.com on May 23, 2013.

"And they will ask for money. They will make you emotional by saying such touching statements which will make you feel that you are helping the people in need when all you are doing is actually funding the scammers." In a few cases, scammers will make use of "sound-alike" organizations names. However, Greenwood advises Iowans to help by contacting only known and renowned disaster relief associations like the American Red Cross, and The Salvation Army.

Charity scammers try to construct faith with their sufferers by placing calls, e-mailing or by sending snail mails that thank him for past donations. If contacted, it is advisable to stop and recollect such past charities. A Genuine charity will be able to furnish all details linked with an individual's past donations. If the email sender or caller when contacted cannot provide such basic confirming details it's a red flag.

Simply speaking, give open-heatedly, but give wisely. That's all we're saying. We're not saying no to charity. We're saying just be sure who you're giving to, the AG office said.

The Oklahoma Consumer Protection Division has so far not received any complaints from customers about bogus fundraising efforts for tornado respite, but earlier natural calamities like earthquakes and hurricanes have generated such scams, staff officials noted.

Potential scams can be reported to the AG's Office either by calling on its toll-free number or by registering a complaint at www.ncdoj.gov.

» SPAMfighter News - 05-06-2013

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